Meet Jonna, a 4-year-old with autism who’s about to experience developmental relationship-based intervention:
- Observation: Jonna’s therapist notices she loves twirling ribbons. She joins Jonna, gently mimicking her movements.
- Engagement: The therapist adds soft music, swaying to the rhythm. Jonna glances at her, showing a spark of interest.
- Communication: When Jonna pauses, the therapist says, “More?” and waits. Jonna reaches for the ribbon, initiating interaction.
- Expansion: They start twirling ribbons together. The therapist introduces words like “up,” “down,” and “swish.”
- Relationship building: Through these shared moments, Jonna begins to trust and connect with her therapist.
This approach helps Jonna feel understood and supported, creating a foundation for learning and growth. It’s not about forcing skills, but nurturing them through joyful, shared experiences.